Category Archives: Easy Recipes

Chunky Apple Walnut Muffins

September 22, 2022 by pamflo

Apple season is in full swing! These incredibly moist, chunky muffins are a perfect way to bake with the amazing variety of apples that are available. My favorite baking apples are Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Granny Smith and Cortland. My muffins are dairy and gluten free, as I substituted gluten-free flour for regular all-purpose flour. With a combination of applesauce and coconut oil, I could cut back on the amount of granulated sugar used. Although adding chopped walnuts are optional, they add […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar • Tags: Bake

Honey Roasted Figs

September 15, 2022 by pamflo

Late summer into early fall is fig season in New England. Figs don’t ripen after they’re picked, so buy them at their peak when they’re soft, round and about to burst. Minor bruises or tears are usually harmless, but avoid buying dry, cracked figs. Figs are deliciously sweet with a slight hint of honey and are a good source of calcium and potassium. These roasted figs can be served with a savory dish like chicken or pork. They can also be […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Snack • Tags: Roast

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Loaded Hummus Platter

September 8, 2022 by pamflo

Smooth, creamy and lemony with a hint of garlic and a few splashes of hot sauce, that’s my favorite kind of hummus. I topped my hummus with olives, capers, cucumbers, tomatoes, chickpeas, feta cheese and a drizzle of good olive oil. I’ve included my favorite homemade hummus recipe but please feel free to use your favorite store-bought brand instead. I served my loaded hummus platter with crackers and a crisp Chardonnay. Seeds of Collaboration (SoCo) is a company that produces delicious […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans/Legumes, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Seeds, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

Peach, Tomato and Feta Salad

September 1, 2022 by pamflo

This peach, tomato and feta salad is a refreshing and delicious summer side dish or perfect light lunch. It’s a fun combination of stone fruit and heirloom tomatoes, requires no cooking and is a great way to serve the super ripe end of summer produce. I added feta cheese, fresh basil and a very simple vinaigrette. You can change up the flavor of the vinaigrette by using different vinegars but use good quality olive oil. Champagne vinegar, sherry vinegar or white […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Salads, Side Dish • Tags: No Cooking

Heirloom Tomato Galette

August 25, 2022 by pamflo

The farmers markets are in full swing and bursting with amazing fresh produce. The highlight for me are the ripe, colorful and juicy heirloom tomatoes. This tasty, savory tart is made with a simple crust combining butter and crème fraîche. The crust can be made a day ahead and refrigerated overnight. The filling is a delicious combination of heirloom tomatoes and manchego cheese, a popular Spanish sheep’s milk cheese with a tangy, nutty flavor. A slice of this galette served […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Lunch Ideas, Pies/Tarts, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

Banana Oat Bites

August 18, 2022 by pamflo

Using only 5 ingredients, these banana oat bites are easy, delicious and quick to make. These cookies are on the healthier side with no added sugar and perfect with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack. Make sure to use a very ripe banana, as the banana along with the dates provide the sweetness. The cookies are bound together with oats and I used old fashioned oats for a chewier cookie, but quick oats work too.

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Cookies, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Snack • Tags: Bake

Steamed Clams in White Wine and Butter

August 11, 2022 by pamflo

Making steamers at home is easy, and just requires cleaning and prepping the clams. First, rinse and scrub the clams under cold running water, discarding any cracked or damaged clam shells. If your clams are gritty, dissolve 1/4 cup of kosher salt in 4 cups of cold water in a large bowl and soak the clams for about 20 minutes. Soaking in salt water helps to draw out the sand and grit. You’ll then steam the clams in white wine, garlic […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Seafood, Side Dish • Tags: Steam

Sautéed Corn and Tomato Salad

August 4, 2022 by pamflo

Corn on the cob has no substitute, and it’s especially delicious at its peak on the east coast in August. However, making a quick and simple salad using the kernels is a great idea too. You could grill the corn while it’s still on the cob and then remove the kernels, or remove and sauté the raw kernels on the stove top as I did. Fresh heirloom tomatoes and fragrant basil leaves are the perfect combination with the corn. Top […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

Lime Fizz Cocktail

July 28, 2022 by pamflo

This tangy cocktail gets its fizz from a bottle of dry sparkling wine. With vermouth and fresh lime juice, it’s everything a summer cocktail should be – light, citrusy and perfect for happy hour or paired with a summer meal. A simple syrup is made using equal parts water and sugar. You’ll heat the ingredients on the stovetop just until the sugar dissolves. This recipe makes extra simple syrup which can be made ahead of time and stored in the […]

Categories: Alcohol, Boozy, Cocktail, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free • Tags: Cocktail

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Blueberry Avocado Popsicles

July 21, 2022 by pamflo

These yummy popsicles are filled with blueberries, creamy avocado, dates, a hint of lime and a secret surprise of almond butter. They’re so refreshing on these hot summer days! I experimented with two types of popsicle molds, plastic and silicon and prefer the silicon molds. Rather than submerging the mold in hot water to release the pops, you can simply peel back the silicone. The silicon molds come with 10 popsicle slots, bags for storage and wooden popsicles sticks. The mold has […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar, Popsicles • Tags: Freeze, Whiz

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Quick Dill Pickles

July 14, 2022 by pamflo

Quick pickles or refrigerator pickles are simply vegetables that are pickled in a brine made from vinegar, water, salt, and sometimes sugar. The cucumbers and carrots sit in the pickling brine in the refrigerator for 24 hours and then are ready to enjoy. The pickled vegetables are good for about a week in the refrigerator. The beauty of this quick pickle recipe is that it uses less salt, and has no sugar added. Kirby cucumbers are crunchy, have a firm […]

Categories: Brine, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: Boil

Watermelon Tequila Slushy

July 7, 2022 by pamflo

This slushy blender cocktail is perfect for a steamy summer evening. Instead of using ice, freeze the watermelon cubes ahead of serving. Place the cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. There is an abundance of peak produce at the farmers’ markets now, and in addition I purchased local raw honey to use as a sweetener. A simply syrup works as well. To make a simply syrup, simmer equal parts water and sugar […]

Categories: Alcohol, Boozy, Cocktail, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Whiz

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Almond Tuile Cookies

June 30, 2022 by pamflo

There’s a popular ice cream shop in Cape Cod called the Polar Cave. The ice cream is delicious, but the “made to order” warm waffle cones are outstanding. The freshly baked waffle cones perfume the air as you’re waiting in line to enter the store. I wanted to create a lighter version of this experience at home and a thin, toasty almond cookie did the trick. These cookies are light, airy, gluten free and make a delightful dessert. The warm […]

Categories: Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Nuts • Tags: Bake

Fresh Strawberry and Radish Salsa

June 23, 2022 by pamflo

We’re in the peak of strawberry season with juicy, beautiful farm stand berries available almost everywhere! High in vitamin C, plump, red and delicious, strawberries make a great snack or addition to any meal. Make sure to pick berries that are bright red with a stem firmly attached, washing just before using. This fresh fruity salsa with radish and avocado is simple to prepare and requires no cooking. I served my zesty salsa with grilled swordfish but it can top […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Salsa • Tags: No Cooking

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White Gazpacho

June 16, 2022 by pamflo

Cool, refreshing and healthy, this cold soup requires no cooking! Even if you’re not a gazpacho fan, this soup is zesty and really delicious. This gazpacho is a twist on a Spanish classic and provides a nice break from a traditional tomato-based gazpacho. This beautiful creamy soup is usually made with a combination of grapes, cucumbers, garlic, blanched almonds and bread. I leave out the bread and include cilantro, a splash of sherry vinegar and plenty of lime juice. It […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Soup, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

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Nutty Oat Bars

June 9, 2022 by pamflo

Crunchy on the outside but soft in the middle, sweet and nutty, and honestly a terrific and satisfying snack or breakfast! Many bars are either too sweet or not sweet enough, crumble when cut or too mushy. Nutritious and flavorful, this is the perfect bar. High in protein and calcium, amaranth is a gluten-free grain and an important food source in South America and Mexico. If amaranth is hard to find, sesame seeds or quinoa are a good substitute. Don’t […]

Categories: Bars, Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Nuts/Seeds, Snack • Tags: Bake

Skillet Eggplant Parmesan

June 2, 2022 by pamflo

Looking for a healthier version of eggplant parmesan, check out my skillet recipe! Deep purple and glossy with a unique texture and flavor, who doesn’t love eggplant. Nutrient dense and antioxidant rich, eggplant is part of the nightshade family, along with peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes. There is no replacement for battered and fried eggplant, smothered with sauce and cheese, however, this lighter version is a close second. I skip the step of battering the eggplant and just sauté the slices in […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

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Sweet Potato Toast

May 26, 2022 by pamflo

Sweet potato toast is a delicious breakfast, fun snack or just a great substitute for a slice of bread! You’re going to carefully cut the sweet potatoes into even slices, roughly 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick, using a sharp knife or a mandoline. Then coat the slices in olive oil, add a pinch of salt and bake the slices in the oven until lightly browned and slightly softened. Choose the orange skinned potatoes as they are sweeter and less starchy and […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

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Morning Glory Muffins

May 19, 2022 by pamflo

There’s a great little place in Marston Mills on Cape Cod called Morning Glory Cafe. Although the cafe has a broad variety of breakfast and lunch items, their morning glory muffins are not to be missed. This is my best shot at creating a similar style muffin and I have to admit that these are really delicious! Whole wheat flour or a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour do the trick, but I used white whole wheat flour which […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Healthish, Muffins, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

Chilled Avocado Soup

May 12, 2022 by pamflo

This is a beautiful, simple avocado soup that is gluten and dairy free. The avocados are blended with sparkling water, lime juice and extra-virgin olive oil. The soup is then chilled. Although avocados are calorically dense they are a great source of healthy fats, fiber and potassium. Hass avocados have a higher percentage of oil than other varieties, making the texture more creamy. If you want to jazz up your soup, you can add toasted pumpkin seeds, additional red pepper […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Soup, Vegetarian • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

Strawberry Rhubarb Polenta Crisp

May 5, 2022 by pamflo

Fresh strawberries can easily be transformed into a bubbly, fragrant and beautiful dessert. Strawberries paired with thinly sliced rhubarb stalks provide some extra tartness to this delicious crisp. Rhubarb is high in antioxidants, vitamin K and a natural laxative. A lightly sweetened crumbly topping made with quick cooking polenta, adds a nice crispy texture to each bite. I find the best way to enjoy this crisp is serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh chilled […]

Categories: Crisp, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Easy Recipes

Chunky Apple Walnut Muffins

Honey Roasted Figs

Loaded Hummus Platter

Peach, Tomato and Feta Salad

Heirloom Tomato Galette

Banana Oat Bites

Steamed Clams in White Wine and Butter

Sautéed Corn and Tomato Salad

Lime Fizz Cocktail

Blueberry Avocado Popsicles

Quick Dill Pickles

Watermelon Tequila Slushy

Almond Tuile Cookies

Fresh Strawberry and Radish Salsa

White Gazpacho

Nutty Oat Bars

Skillet Eggplant Parmesan

Sweet Potato Toast

Morning Glory Muffins

Chilled Avocado Soup

Strawberry Rhubarb Polenta Crisp